OpenAI Restores GPT-4o for Plus Users Following Complaints About GPT-5 Rollout

OpenAI backed off its plan to entirely phase out GPT-4o with the new GPT-5 rollout, reinstating GPT-4o as a ChatGPT Plus member option after mass user outcry and dissatisfaction. This came only a few days after OpenAI had made GPT-5 the default AI model for all, deleting the model selection dropdown which was used to toggle between GPT-4o, GPT-5, and other models.

In early August 2025, OpenAI replaced ChatGPT with GPT-5 as its new default AI experience, which possessed improved reasoning, writing, and coding ability compared to previous versions like GPT-4o and o3. However, some of the Plus users, who were accustomed to the individual style and behavior of GPT-4o, were disappointed. Some of them complained that GPT-5, though capable, was less conversational and lacked some stylistic features users enjoyed in GPT-4o.

To solve these problems, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman posted on social media platform X that GPT-4o will be kept available for paying customers so that users will have their go-to model to work with. OpenAI will monitor usage patterns to decide how long to support legacy models.

Released in May 2025, GPT-4o was one of the top choices from the outset for speed, expressiveness, and multimodality tuned for chat and for voice. People enjoyed GPT-4o's rich output and sense of familiarity. It also had features such as long-term storage, where continuous personalized conversation was possible, and this was something that appealed to some people very strongly.

Model Options Available to Plus Users

1. GPT-5: The latest, smartest, and quickest AI with expert-level thinking and enterprise-level functionality.
2. GPT-4o: Currently kept alive by user request, wanted for more expressive, conversational applications.
3. The other versions such as o3 and 4.1 mini: Used still for niche developer and basic tasks.

The return of GPT-4o indicates that OpenAI is dedicated to innovation and to user satisfaction. The Plus members can now select between GPT-5 or GPT-4o based on their requirements, whether they require the latest AI or a friendly-to- conversational tone. The menu of choices was temporarily suspended but is now being brought back because of backlash.

OpenAI's reversal in removing GPT-4o highlights the need to listen to users, particularly paying customers who depend on certain model characteristics. Because AI models are changing so quickly, model adaptability ensures users can achieve the appropriate power, pace, and personality in their interactions.

The GPT-4o return restores the power of the user and shows OpenAI's responsive strategy to developing AI products, a determining factor for the millions of consumers across the globe, including India's increasing AI-aware population.